If you’ve ever craved Wingers Sticky Fingers, you know just how addictive they are crispy chicken strips coated in a sweet, sticky sauce that’s impossible to resist. Now, imagine enjoying them right at home with our Wingers Sticky Fingers Copycat recipe. This homemade version is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or even game-day snacks, giving you that restaurant-style flavor without leaving your kitchen.
Our recipe is easy to follow, whether you prefer baking, air frying, or deep-frying your chicken. We’ve included step-by-step instructions, flavor-boosting tips, and handy troubleshooting advice, so even first-time cooks can make Sticky Fingers that taste just like the original. By the end, you’ll have crispy, juicy chicken with a perfectly sticky sauce your family and friends will love.
Why This Copycat Works
This Wingers Sticky Fingers Copycat recipe works because it captures the sweet, sticky, and slightly spicy flavor that makes the original so memorable. The secret lies in the sauce, made with Frank’s Red Hot, brown sugar, and butter, which sticks perfectly to the crispy chicken strips. We’ve tested it with baking, air frying, and deep-frying methods to ensure you get juicy chicken with a crunchy exterior every time.
Unlike other recipes, this version also includes tips for flavor boosting and perfect coating, making it taste just like Winger’s. With this recipe, you can enjoy Sticky Fingers at home anytime without missing the restaurant-style flavor, whether for weeknight dinners, parties, or appetizers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Strips:
- 1½ pounds chicken strips or chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1–2 cups breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (if deep frying)
For the Sticky Fingers Sauce:
- ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Start by prepping the chicken strips, dipping them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a crispy coating. Next, make the sticky sauce by combining Frank’s Red Hot, brown sugar, and butter in a pan over medium heat until smooth and thick.
Cook the chicken using your preferred method: bake, air fry, or deep fry. Then, toss the cooked strips in the warm sticky sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately for the crispiest, juiciest chicken. Adding a side of ranch or blue cheese makes it even better. This copycat Wingers Sticky Fingers recipe ensures perfectly sticky, flavorful chicken every time.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, making Sticky Fingers at home can be tricky. If your sauce is too runny, cook it a few extra minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or butter. To keep the chicken crispy, avoid tossing it in sauce for too long before serving.
If your chicken isn’t crispy, try air frying or baking at a higher temperature, or make sure the oil is hot enough for deep frying. For a sweeter or spicier flavor, adjust the brown sugar and hot sauce ratio. With these tips, your homemade Winger’s Sticky Fingers will turn out perfect every time, just like the restaurant version.
Flavor Boosting Tips
Want your Sticky Fingers to taste even better than the original? Add extra spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne to the chicken coating. Mix a little honey or maple syrup into the sauce for a sweeter glaze.
For richer flavor, toss the chicken in the sauce while still hot, so it sticks perfectly. Try different dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mayo for variety. For a crunchy twist, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top just before serving. With these flavor-boosting tips, your Winger’s Sticky Fingers copycat recipe becomes restaurant-quality, irresistible, and perfect for family meals, parties, or game days.
Meal Planning & Serving Suggestions
These Sticky Fingers are perfect for parties, game nights, or weeknight dinners. Serve them on a platter with ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard sauces. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
For meal prep, cook the chicken in advance and warm it in the oven or air fryer before serving. You can also freeze cooked strips for later use. These homemade Sticky Fingers are versatile, kid-friendly, and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Everyone will love the crispy chicken coated in sweet, sticky sauce, making them perfect for family dinners, parties, or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
To store your Sticky Fingers, let them cool and place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked strips for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy. You can also store the sticky sauce separately and toss it with the chicken just before serving. These tips ensure your Winger’s Sticky Fingers copycat recipe stays delicious, crispy, and flavorful, whether for leftovers, meal prep, or a busy weeknight dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Winger’s Sticky Fingers at home using frozen chicken strips?
Yes! You can make this Winger’s Sticky Fingers Copycat recipe with frozen chicken strips. Just thaw completely and pat dry before coating with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for crispy, restaurant-style chicken.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. You’ll still get crispy, juicy chicken strips with the same sweet, sticky sauce flavor.
What’s the fastest way to cook Sticky Fingers?
For a quick version, use an air fryer or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes. Toss in the sauce immediately for perfectly coated, flavorful chicken.
Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
Absolutely! Add more Frank’s Red Hot sauce for extra heat or reduce it for a milder, kid-friendly Sticky Fingers copycat recipe.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispy chicken with sticky sauce.
Conclusion
Now you can make Winger’s Sticky Fingers at home with this easy, flavorful copycat recipe. With crispy chicken, sweet sticky sauce, and expert tips, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game days.
Don’t forget to experiment with spices, dipping sauces, and cooking methods to make it uniquely yours. Share your results with friends and family, and enjoy restaurant-style Sticky Fingers anytime. This recipe ensures that every bite is crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, just like the original Winger’s version.
